Lila hauled her wide load into the girls' room and pulled the curtains open, making light flood the room. Some of the girls groaned; others pulled the covers over their heads.
"Get up girls! Time for breakfast!" Lila yelled, with her deep German voice. "Mr. Synder does not like a slacker."
"I don't care" Clink murmured, from under her cover.
PT walked over to her after slipping out of her bed. "You better get up, or I'll drag you out of bed myself." Clink just shrugged under her cover and PT moved onto the wash room.
Cone smacked her pillow, but then remembered what had happen last night and smiled. Lila catch sight of her smile, and wondered what was wrong.
"Coneflower, you got something to share. You never wake up in good mood" Lila remarked.
"Uh…I had a good dream" Cone replied, weakening her smile and standing up to go to the wash room.
Lila just stared at the ground, shaking her head. "Hurry up! Mr. Snyder wants you downstairs now!" Ace mocked Lila from behind, but acted all innocent when Lila looked behind her. She snorted and walked out the room.
Patch sat up and stretched. "I had the most wonderful dream last night and it had that boy I was talking to last night in it."
"I had a dream about him too" Damsel spoke up. "But, it was his brother, Blink, instead of…"
"Kid Trey" Patch cut her off, standing up with a dream-like expression on her face.
"I hope we get to see them again" Jewel said, walking to the wash room mainly thinking of Bumlets.
"Yeah, I have to finish my dance lesson with David" Copper smiled, tossing her auburn hair over her shoulder.
"We're not!" July spoke out, cynically.
"And, why?" Ace asked, planting her hands on her hips.
July turned back around to face Ace ((*hehehe* that sounds funny)). "Because, those guys are jerks! Especially that Conlon guy."
"Didn't look like you minded him being a jerk last night" Cone remarked, rolling her eyes.
July turned a little red then got serious again. "It's not just that! Mr. Snyder will kill us if he finds out we're seeing 'young men' he wouldn't approve of. Remember, we're to be married to rich boys with sense like an ape." ((hmm…the Delanceys maybe))
"Thank goodness we know better" PT said, brushing her brown hair.
"Yeah…" Cone agreed, sauntering over to Clink's bed. "Hey Clinker." She didn't move. "Clink." Cone bent down and shook her.
"Go away!" Clink yelled from under the covers.
Cone rolled her eyes. She had to think of something crafty to get her friend up. "Hmmm……Oh, look! It's that newsboy you were talking to last night!"
"What! Jake!" Clink jumped out of bed and ran to the window. She turned around a second later. "He's not there."
"You missed him then" Cone smirked, receiving a smack on the shoulder.
"I'm ready!" Pearl said, coming out of the wash room before hardly anyone else could even get in there.
"Geez Pearl! How did you get ready so fast?" Copper asked.
"I didn't goof around like some people." She grinned peering over at Cone and Clink.
After everyone was dressed and ready to go no where but downstairs, all the girls headed down to the huge kitchen table where Mr. Snyder was sitting there, looking at a paper. He looked up when he saw the girls enter the room.
"Good morning! You finally made it" he said, placing the now folded paper on the table.
All the girls said 'good morning' and sat down quietly waiting for Lila to serve in breakfast. Cone saw the paper Mr. Snyder was looking at and became very curious ((that's me for ya!)).
"Mr. Snyder, where did you get that newspaper?" she asked, being very cautious about how she questioned him.
Mr. Snyder clamped his hands together, and stared at her with those scary blue eyes. "From a newsboy."
The girls tried not to smile. "What did the newsboy look like?" Cone asked, even more curious.
"He looked…" Mr. Snyder leaned in close to her, b/c she was sitting right next to him. "…like you shouldn't care about what the hoodlum looked like."
Cone snapped her finger under the table and murmured, "Drat."
Mr. Snyder looked around the table to see the faint smiles on the girls' faces. "What are you girls so happy about? Ready to do chores?" The smiles faded and was replaced with frowns. "That's better." He evilly grinned at his work.
Mr. Snyder turned around for a minutes to see what Lila was doing. July - who was sitting on the other side of him - leaned over and pretended to smack him in the back of the head while he wasn't looking. This received a few mumbled giggles, but Mr. Snyder turned around right when they all went back to the sad, frowned faces. They had learned well from all these years of how to mask expressions. It was an art to them now. Just like it was an art for the newsies to escape from The Refuge.
After all the eggs and sausage was gone, Mr. Snyder wiped his mouth, slipped his napkin in his sleeve ((to save for a rainy day…ewww)), and beckoned 'goodbye'. When he walked out the door, the girls wanted to get up and cheer, but Lila appeared from the kitchen.
"Time for school work then some chores! Now!"
The daily routine was about to begin. Cone and Damsel were the last to walk out the dining around when the sound of a boys hawking the headlines caught their ears. They exchanged glances and snuck off to the front door. Cone opened it slowly, not to make it creak. That's when they saw two of the boys from last night. Their boys at that. Mush and Blink somehow caught sight of them and smiled.
"What are you girls doing?!" Lila yelled, behind them.
Damsel and Cone turned to her with stunned faces. "uh…." They both stuttered.
"This is NO NO!" Lila slammed the door shut and locked it. "GO!" She shuffled the two off to the school room to meet their tutor.
Outside, Mush and Blink were in confusion. "Wha' jist happen?" Mush asked.
"I don't know. Dat was da girls and dey were looking out at us den dat huge scary lookin' woman slammed da door on 'em" Blink said, thinking out loud.
"We need ta help 'em now." Mush said, determining himself.
"Yeah, let's go get da others." Mush and Blink ran off to find the other newsies.
Mush and Blink trekked to Tibbys where they knew they'd find the rest of the newsies ((what can I say? *shrug* It took them a while to get there)). They burst into the door and ran over to Jack - who was just sitting there talking.
"Jack! Jack!" Blink shouted, as him and Mush ran to the table.
Jack turned around and stared at them strangely. "Wha'?"
"Ya remember da goils from last night?" Mush asked, leaning against the table with his palms.
"Yeah, why?" Jack cocked his head.
Blink answered. "Dere's something strange goin' on wit 'em!"
"There sure is" they heard a voice from the door. Davey walked up to them. "I found some interesting things about our girls."
"What is dese interestin' things?" Trey asked, from across the table.
"Well, I found out that Warden Snyder is still in jail." Davey folded his arms as confused looked fell on his friends' faces.
"I knew he didn' get out!" Jack said, a little too loud.
"Den how is da same Snyder keepin' dose goils locked up?" Mush asked.
Davey frowned. "How should I know? I just say we keep out of this although I would like to see Copper again."
Blink and Trey exchanged grins. "We'd like to see Damsel and Patch again too."
Mush fell into his own little daydream world and sighed. "I wanna dance wit Coneflower again."
"C'mon boys! Wese got some…uh..wha'd ya call it?" Jack stuttered, standing up.
"Investigating" Davey answered him.
"Yeah, investigatin' ta do."
The same guys who went to see the girls the night before, followed Jack out the door and down the street to the building. They strolled up ever so cautiously - just in case this 'Mr. Snyder' might show up. The guys went back to the fire escape in the alleyway only to find a familiar stick figure looking up at the window.
"Hey Spot!" Jack greeted loudly, thumbs jammed in his pocket.
The fearless leader of Brooklyn whirled around with a surprised look on his face - his cane raised ready for a fight. "Jacky-boy! Youse nearly gave me a heart attack!" All the boys laughed at seeing Spot Conlon so shocked.
"Wha' youse doin' heah, Spot?" Racetrack asked, grinning.
"I was jist passin' through" he replied, trying to look tough again.
Jack wanted to laugh. "Thinkin' 'bout visitin' whats-her-name?"
Spot tried not to make eye contact, just stared at the stairs and mumbles, "July."
The boys laughed again, but got back to business. They'd rub this in later.
"So, who is gonna go up dere?" Skittery asked, sounding doubtful about the whole situation.
"Uh…" Jack murmured. He peered around at his newsies. They were all staring at him. He cursed. "I guess dat's me cue."
"I'll go wit ya, Jack!" Mush spoke up, stepping out of the group.
Mush and Jack started to climb the high fire escape up to the girls' window.
~*~
The girls dragged their feet while walking back into their room. Lila had worked them today and rest was very rewarding to them. Copper was the first to walk in the room and collapse on her bed.
"Why?!" Ace let out, dramatically falling on her bed.
"I think if we gang up on Lila, we can take her out!" Clink suggested, receiving a slap on the back of the head by Cone. "Hey!"
"You have to be kidding?" Cone asked, scrunching up her face.
Clink shrugged and dropped the issue. All the girl just sorta collapsed somewhere in the room. Lila had worked them to death today with school work and chores. Mr. Snyder hadn't come home yet, and he probably wouldn't until late that night.
Cone sat up from her bed and said, "I have a feeling that someone is coming."
"What?" everyone in the room said in unison.
"Uh…never mind." With that, Cone went into the washroom to wash her face as a knock came from the window. Pearl stepped over to the window to see two guys kneeling on the fire escape to see inside.
Pearl grinned recognizing one as Jack. She opened the window. "Hi Jack! Hi Mush! What brings you by?" It only took a second for Cone to run out of the wash room and knocked Pearl out the way of the window. Well, knock is too harsh of a word; it was more like gave-her-a-little-push out the way. ((*hehehe* Sorry Pearl!…lol))
"Hey! What are you guys doing here?" Cone asked, a huge smile coming across her face.
"Can I come in?" Mush asked.
"Of course!" Cone moves out the way so Mush could come in. Pearl sat by the window to talk to Jack while all the other girls just watched ((?)) excitedly. "What are you two doing here?"
Mush smirked. "Me and da othahs are heah ta take you goils out fer da night. Ya think dis Mr. Snyder would mind?"
Cone thought for a moment. "Mr. Snyder has spies down there that could catch us. Trust me, he is very sneaky and has many connections."
"Well, we'll protect ya. All you goils will have ya own poisonal bodyguard."
Cone couldn't help but laugh at the thought. "What do you say girls?" Cone asked, turning around seeing that no one was there. "Looks like I have my answer."
Mush grabbed her hand and helped Cone out the window. Everyone was down on the ground already saying their 'hellos' to the guys. Patch and Damsel strolled up to Blink and Trey real calmly with big grins on their faces; the boys mirroring them. Clink ran up to Jake and stole his bowler - playing keep-away with it. Copper and Davey started a chat right away like they'd known each other forever. Ace walked up to Racetrack wanting to play some more poker right away. PT just sort a stood next to Skittery, and they keep glancing over at each other without saying a word. Bumlets had met Jewel by the stairs and gave her a daisy he 'borrowed' out of someone's flower pot. Spot and July stared at one another kind a growling for some reason ((?…lol)). Jack offered his arm to Pearl, and she excepted right away. Mush and Cone exchanged glances and wanted to laugh at all the different ways their friends were greeting each other.
"All right! Everyone ready to go out tonight?" Jack called out to everyone.
"Where are we going?" Pearl asked.
He smirked. "It's a surprise."
"I'm up for a surprise!" Clink yelled, dropping Jake's bowler as he grabbed her by the waist.
"Den let's head out!" Jack said enthusiastically.
The large bunch of kids walked down the streets of Manhattan. It was a very different scene for the girls. They had never really had the chance to walk on the street very often from living in Mr. Snyder's boarding house for years. It was a wonder for them to be in the commotion of life, and not just watch it from a small window in their room. This was definitely going to be an adventure. Good thing they had the newsie guys there with them. It made the adventure twice as exciting.
Mush and Cone were walking at the rear of the group hand in hand. Jack with Pearl were leading the group. PT and Skittery started talking to each other and was having a good time. Copper and Davey were playfully kicking down the street ((*hehehe*)). Ace was bugging Race to give her one of his cigars. The two brothers had sneakily slipped their arms around Patch and Damsel's waist. Spot and July were having a silent competition of trying to stay ahead of one another. Jewel and Bumlets was the second to last couple heading the rear; talking lowly. Jake had finally given in to let Clink wear his bowler, but he was keeping a close eye on her especially b/c she had his hat.
The group came to a stop in front of a large showy building with a big picture of a lady in a purple dress. The sign read "Irving Hall".
"This looks interesting" Ace commented, elbowing Race in the ribs. He rolled his eyes and didn't pay no mind to her remark.
"What is this place?" Jewel asked, looking up at the sign.
"You goils will see soon. Let's go get us a seat down in front" Jack said, leading the way again.
They all walked in to see a comedy skit being acted out by a two guys. Patch and Damsel stopped and watched them for a moment. One guy 'hit' the other guy and the other guy went tumbling backwards.
"I can do that!" Damsel blurted out. She blushed when she realized how loud that had came out.
Patch leaned in near Trey's ear and whispered, "What are those two men doing?"
Trey looked at her strangely, but remembered the girls had never been to something like this before. "Dose two guys are doing slapstick comedy. It's suppose to make people laugh."
Patch turned to watch the skit again. "Oh, okay."
The 'hall' was kinda empty. It was a Thursday night and not very many people were out. They all walked up to the front where no one was sitting. There were four people to a table. Of course, each guy pulled out a chair for each girl with the exception of Spot and July. They were such gentlemen. The announcer suddenly came on right after the kids got settled and said, "Presenting Miss Medda Larkson." The guys started to clap, trying to hold back hoots and hollers for the girls' sake. The girls just clapped along with them. Medda sauntered on stage with her purple feather in her hand. She started to sing her famous "My Lovey Dovey Baby", and noticed all the boys in the audience with dates. She grinned to herself, thinking 'they finally got over me'.
"I use to be your tootsie wootsie" Medda sang, doing a little shimmy then started to saunter around the stage again.
PT leaned over to Skittery sitting besides her. "What is so great about this?"
He faced her and smirked, "It's entertaining."
"Really? I guess I'm not use to seeing that kind of 'entertainment'" she replied back.
Skittery could see she was a little jealous, so, he slipped his around slowly around PT's shoulder. She smiled, knowing her job there was done.
Damsel and Patch glanced at their 'guys' at the same time to see they weren't paying much attention to Medda's performance.
"What are you looking at?" Patch asked Trey, playfully.
"Let's hope it's you and not only a dream" he replied. ((*muhahaha* EYC!))
"I know if you were a dream, Dame, I'd never wanna wake up again" Blink said enchantingly, making Damsel blush.
"I feel that same way" she got out, before giggling into her hand.
Ace bounced up and down on her chair, clasping onto Race's shoulder. "Oh c'mon, can we play one game of poker?"
Race finally gave in, and took out his cards. "I gotta deal for ya, Ace. How about we play poker like…" he leaned over and whispered in her ear.
A huge grin came across her face. "YES! I'll play like that. Naughty…but right here?"
"Uh…" Race peered around then grabbed her hand. "I know a place where we can play." ((No! It's nothing bad, so, quit with your dirty minds…LOL!))
"Can I have my hat back?" Jake asked Clink, who was actually sitting very still watching the show.
She looked over at him real blankly, and keep him in suspense until she smirked. "Of course, you can't."
Jake's mouth was catching flies when she said that, but he smirked back, "Y'know, I'm stronger than you and I can take ya down, goily." Clink was a little shocked at that statement from him. "I got muscle." He flexed his muscle on his right arm ((*swoon*)). Clink just sat there as Jake took his bowler off her head and placed it back on his.
"You like that stuff?" Copper asked Davey.
He turned to look at her. "Maybe…why?"
Copper shrugged. "I don't know. Ever think of having her teach you how to dance?"
Davey played an arm around Copper and scooted closer to her. "Like I want anyone but you teaching me how to dance. Which reminds me, we haven't finished our lesson."
Copper jumped up taking Davey with her. "Let's do that then." They disappeared somewhere backstage.
"Isn't Medda a great performer?" Jack suddenly said.
Pearl cocked her head. "Does she do this for a living?"
Jack scratched his neck then answered, "Yeah. She's been doing this stuff for as long as I been around."
"Oh, so have you been knowing her a while?" Pearl was digging from after seeing Jack stare at Medda SO hard.
"Uh…I been knowing her for a while. What's the deal?" He was a little confused.
"Just wondering" she replied, leaning back into him.
Bumlets glanced over at Jewel. She appeared to be having an 'okay' time, but not the greatest. He tapped her on the shoulder, and whispered, "Are you enjoying yourself?"
Jewel shrugged. "Yes, a little."
"I'm not really into this stuff. Ya wanna go on the roof and just talk. I bet the stars are out by now."
"That sounds much better." Jewel took Bumlets hand, and they walked up to the roof.
"Who wrote that song?" Cone asked Mush, who was currently staring off into dream world at Cone.
He snapped back into reality, and said, "I think Medda writes 'em herself."
Cone smiled. "You think I could write a song like that?"
"Of course, you can! You can do anything you want." Mush kissed her cheek. "You want to write a song like that?"
"Well…" Cone muttered, "Maybe not as cuddly wuddely." She grinned, imitating Medda.
Mush burst out into laughter causing Medda to all the sudden stop, but she regained her bearings quickly and started to sing again. Cone smacked a hand over her own mouth not to laugh too loud. The two received a glare from Medda, which was a very rare thing. Mush grasped Cone's hand and they ran out for no reason at all. Medda finally finished her song and dance. Applause came from all the people who were still……there. It seemed that most of the front row had disappeared.
Mush and Cone ran down to the backstage area. The newsies were allowed back there at anytime and it seemed that that was the place where some of the newsie guys and some of the girls disappeared too. Mush and Cone slowed down to a steady walk, with grins plastered on their faces.
"I can't believe we just did that!" Cone said, giggling. "I have never had that much fun in a long time!"
"And the night isn't over yet" Mush commented.
"What are we going to do…" Cone was cut short when Mush abruptly stopped before passing a dressing room door. The door was only half-opening and they could hear voices inside. They peeked into the crack to see Ace and Racetrack playing a very 'interesting' game of poker.
"What do you have?" Ace asked, excitedly.
Race snorted, and laid down his cards. "Three of a kind."
Ace squealed, bouncing up and down in her chair. "I have a straight flush!"
"Again?!" Race glared at her suspiciously. "You sure you ain't cheatin'?"
Ace grinned innocently. "Of course not. Now, time for what I won! The neck this time."
Mush and Cone pulled away from the door. "Uh…I don't think we were suppose to see that" Cone said, a little shocked.
"Yeah, but a kiss on the neck is nothing to ashamed of?" Mush smirked.
Cone planted her hands on her hips, with a serious expression on her face. "Courting is more my style. Now, where are we going?"
Mush grabbed her hand again - without answering - and lead her up a flit of stairs. They emerged outside on the roof. The stars were high up in the sky, and the night was quiet - with a few exception of some voices talking. The couple looked around to see Jewel and Bumlets were talking lowly by the edge of the roof.
"Heya" Mush and Cone greeting happily.
"Hey" Bumlets and Jewel said back.
"Can we join you two?" Cone asked, still holding Mush's hand.
Jewel spoke up first, "Yes, of course, you can."
"We was just 'bout to go in, but I think we'll stay out heah a little longer" Bumlets said.
Mush and Cone sat down on some crates next to the edge, across from Jewel and Bumlets. They were quiet for a little while until Mush spoke up, "Have you goils enjoyed this night so far?"
"Yes, silly!" Cone slapped him gently on the cheek ((oh no! She was already picking up on the slap game!)).
"I'm having a great time" Jewel replied, glancing over at Bumlets. He was staring off a little in her direction.
They were interrupted by a loud fall from behind the stairs building thingy. Some laughter came next, and Copper and Davey peeked out from behind it.
"Uh…hey" he said meekly, trying to hold back one of his 'Ha's".
"We were just……" Copper looked around for something to say, but only found Davey beside her. She grinned and pushed him away playfully. "…out of here." She ran down the stairs. Davey looked up, shrugged, and ran after her.
Cone turned back to everyone. "What just happen there?"
Her three companions shrugged, and went back to talking. After a few minutes, a roar of thunder was heard from a distance and lightening flashes from far off. The two girls jumped, holding onto their guys. They really hadn't ever been outside when a storm was coming, so, it scared them.
"Looks like a storm is coming. We better get da others and get you goils back home" Mush stated, putting his arm around Cone.
"Yeah. Don't wanna get caught in the rain" Bumlets commented, holding onto Jewel just the same.
The two couples went down the stairs, and back into the main area of the Hall. Medda had stopped performing, and was talking to the newsies guys and greeting the girls. Mush pushed his way to Jack, telling him about the storm that was coming. Jack rounded up everyone ((*hehe* with his rope…J/K!)), but two people were missing from the group.
"Where's Spot and July?" he asked, scrunching his nose for no reason.
"Haven't seen 'em since the show began" Race answered.
Jack smacked Race in the back of the head. "Of course, ya haven't seen 'em since da show began. Youse and ya goil have been in a dressing room da whole time."
All the sudden, a closet door backstage came open, and Spot and July fell out. Everyone started laughing at them. Spot and July turned red, and sorta scooted away from each other.
"Let me guess, you two weren't just talkin'." Skittery remarked, actually making a funny comment for the first time in his life.
Now that everyone was ready, they all said 'good-bye' to Medda to head back home. The thunder and lightening was getting closer, and half to the girls' boarding house - it started to rain. They all ran as fast as they could to the boarding house over hang under the fire escape. It was kinda cramped under there, so, half the group migrated to the over hang on the building next door. They were all soaked to the bone from the rain.
It was time to say goodbye. No one wanted too. That night was more than just fun. But, Cone told everyone to hurry b/c Mr. Snyder would be home at any minute. Clink hugged Jake and knocked his bowler over his eyes then run up the stairs of the fire escape. Blink and Trey kissed Damsel and Patch on the hand. PT and Skittery gave each other a big hug. Jack touched Pearl's cheek and whispered something to her which made her blush. Race hugged Ace as she goosed him. Bumlets kissed Jewel on the cheek. Copper tweaked Davey on the nose, and ruffled his wet hair. Spot and July were pushing each other, but Jack came up behind them and pushed them together - causing a complete different action. Mush and Cone stared at one another, not wanting to leave. PT called her to get her butt inside. Cone turned back to Mush, receiving a surprise, a quick kiss from him. She stared at him in shock until he told her she better get inside.
Cone climbed the stairs looking down at all the guys leaving. She crawled through the window, pushing it down just in time before Mr. Snyder knocked on the door - walking in. He glared at his girls when he saw they were all wet.
"What is this?" he said in disgusted, pulling on Patch's sleeve.
"Um…a sleeve" she replied, meekly.
He growled, and looked at all the girls. "What have you been doing? Have you girls been playing in the wash room or outside in the rain?"
Everyone gulped, not knowing what to say. Mr. Snyder walked over to July and Ace. "I have a feeling you one of you are the culprits."
Cone's temper was beginning to get heated, and she stepped up between Mr. Snyder and her friends. "I'm the one who got everyone wet."
Mr. Snyder glared at her in that 'fatherly disappointed' way. "Miss Adams, I would have never expected this from you."
"Well, what can I say? You don't really know me at all" she retorted. The girls were getting scared now.
Mr. Snyder wanted to exploded, but he keep his anger down. He grabbed Cone by the arm and dragged her out the room. Some of the girls closest to the door ran up to it, but it was already locked.
"I'm scared for Cone. No telling what he's going to do to her" Damsel said, almost in tears.
Pearl put an arm around her. "It's okay. Cone knows how to take care of herself even when it's from Mr. Snyder."
July stepped up to her. "Yeah, Cone will be okay."
"Let's prey she will" Patch said.
Mr. Snyder dragged Cone by the arm all the way down stairs to a room on the other side of the home. He opened the door, setting his lamp down, and making Cone seat in a chair. Cone peered around at this room. It was dreary feeling with a desk by the back wall and a bed by the door. Mr. Synder fiddled around by his bed then finally sat down at his desk - staring at Cone through the dim light. She stared nervously back at him.
"You knew your family, right?" Mr. Snyder asked.
Cone glared at him a little confused. "Yes" she answered, slowly.
Mr. Snyder leaned in against his desk. "Then you know how it feels to lose them."
Cone took it as more of a questions. "Of course, I do! I was nine when they died in the fire." She became uneasy for a moment. He was never interested in the girls' family before they became orphans.
"Then you know exactly what I'm going through." Mr. Snyder leaned back into his chair.
"Um…what do you mean?" Cone was even more confused now.
The bolding man sighed dramatically. "I have a brother." Cone mouth dropped open, literally! He saw the stunned expression on her face, and smirked evilly. "A twin brother."
Cone almost fell out her chair. "There's two of you!" she yelled, very bluntly.
Mr. Snyder shook his head and stood up - walking behind Cone. "He ran the House of Refuge." Without warning, he firmly placed his hands on Cone's shoulder. "But, they arrested him. For what reason, I do not know."
"Maybe he was being a donkey butt, I bet it runs in the family." The remark only got Cone in more hot water.
Mr. Snyder tightened his grip making her cringe. "Do you like when I do that?"
Cone wanted to smack him by now. She took a deep breath and answered truthfully, "No, I do not. So, please get your hands off me."
He backed off, and shrugged. "I'm finish with you tonight, Miss Adams. Go back to your room. I'll have Lila escort you." Cone stood up, leaving in a not-so-discreet way.
"What happen?!" was the popular question as Cone sauntered back into the room, not so casually. She made eye contact with everyone encircled around her and replied with a snort, "A very disgusting thing."
July cocked her head. "Say what?"
Cone rolled her eyes and started pacing around the room. "Snyder told me something that you guys will not believe." Pearl glanced up from her sewing as everyone's attention was caught.
"Tell us, Cone!" Damsel demanded, innocently.
Should she tell them about the evil spawn of the Synder 'clan'. Cone shrugged, thinking why not. "There are two of them." A lot of 'huh's?' rang around the room. "Synder has a brother!" Cone spilled out, without thinking. She smacked a hand over her month, realizing she said that a little too loud.
Instead of 'huh's?', gasp came from everyone's mouth. No one really knew what to think. Cone didn't really either, but Synder had something up his sleeve with the whole 'brother' thing.
Finally Ace spoke up. "And, why did he tell you about this?"
Cone shrugged. "Don't ask me!" She plopped down on her bed. "I can tell ya, I'm disturbed. Mr. Synder knows that we've been doing stuff."
"Maybe he's just trying to scare us" PT said half-smiled, seeing if her statement would lighten the tension.
"Yeah" Copper threw in. "He just might be scaring us b/c he knows we did something."
Everyone nodded - agreeing or not. Cone snorted again. "I don't know what to think right now." She leaned against the bed on her elbows. "He mentioned that his brother - oh, I forgot - he said twin brother…"
That just railed the girls up more. "Two Synders!!!!" Clink yelped.
Patch clamped a hand over Clink's mouth. "Clink, not so loud."
Cone rolled her eyes once more. "Like I was saying…" She grinned slightly, knowing the fact would really stir things up. "He mentioned that his brother ran the House of Refuge. One of the newsie guys has to know what that place is."
Jewel jumped up, excited. "Bumlets said something about a Refuge place where it was like jail."
"Really?" Jewel nodded. "Then that has to be the place."
"Next time the guys visit, we could ask them about that" Damsel declared, eagerly.
"We can, but I'm afraid for the guys now."
July pressed, slightly. "Why Cone?"
She sighed, laying back on her bed. "Because Mr. Synder probably knows about them visiting us. You never know what he might do if he knows."
A somber mood fell over the room, almost distracting. Nerves were going to be on the edge now. Pearl's mouth twisted, like she was thinking. "Let's just try and be careful. Warn the guys before they make their way here."
"Not tonight" Copper spoke up. "I hear Mr. Snyder or Lila coming up the stairs."
"We probably can wait on the warning the guys. It's not like they're going to come early in the morning" PT commented, dragging the covers from her bed and hopping in. All the girls did the same as Mr. Snyder slithered his way in to say 'Good night'.
"Get up girls! Time for breakfast!" Lila yelled, with her deep German voice. "Mr. Synder does not like a slacker."
"I don't care" Clink murmured, from under her cover.
PT walked over to her after slipping out of her bed. "You better get up, or I'll drag you out of bed myself." Clink just shrugged under her cover and PT moved onto the wash room.
Cone smacked her pillow, but then remembered what had happen last night and smiled. Lila catch sight of her smile, and wondered what was wrong.
"Coneflower, you got something to share. You never wake up in good mood" Lila remarked.
"Uh…I had a good dream" Cone replied, weakening her smile and standing up to go to the wash room.
Lila just stared at the ground, shaking her head. "Hurry up! Mr. Snyder wants you downstairs now!" Ace mocked Lila from behind, but acted all innocent when Lila looked behind her. She snorted and walked out the room.
Patch sat up and stretched. "I had the most wonderful dream last night and it had that boy I was talking to last night in it."
"I had a dream about him too" Damsel spoke up. "But, it was his brother, Blink, instead of…"
"Kid Trey" Patch cut her off, standing up with a dream-like expression on her face.
"I hope we get to see them again" Jewel said, walking to the wash room mainly thinking of Bumlets.
"Yeah, I have to finish my dance lesson with David" Copper smiled, tossing her auburn hair over her shoulder.
"We're not!" July spoke out, cynically.
"And, why?" Ace asked, planting her hands on her hips.
July turned back around to face Ace ((*hehehe* that sounds funny)). "Because, those guys are jerks! Especially that Conlon guy."
"Didn't look like you minded him being a jerk last night" Cone remarked, rolling her eyes.
July turned a little red then got serious again. "It's not just that! Mr. Snyder will kill us if he finds out we're seeing 'young men' he wouldn't approve of. Remember, we're to be married to rich boys with sense like an ape." ((hmm…the Delanceys maybe))
"Thank goodness we know better" PT said, brushing her brown hair.
"Yeah…" Cone agreed, sauntering over to Clink's bed. "Hey Clinker." She didn't move. "Clink." Cone bent down and shook her.
"Go away!" Clink yelled from under the covers.
Cone rolled her eyes. She had to think of something crafty to get her friend up. "Hmmm……Oh, look! It's that newsboy you were talking to last night!"
"What! Jake!" Clink jumped out of bed and ran to the window. She turned around a second later. "He's not there."
"You missed him then" Cone smirked, receiving a smack on the shoulder.
"I'm ready!" Pearl said, coming out of the wash room before hardly anyone else could even get in there.
"Geez Pearl! How did you get ready so fast?" Copper asked.
"I didn't goof around like some people." She grinned peering over at Cone and Clink.
After everyone was dressed and ready to go no where but downstairs, all the girls headed down to the huge kitchen table where Mr. Snyder was sitting there, looking at a paper. He looked up when he saw the girls enter the room.
"Good morning! You finally made it" he said, placing the now folded paper on the table.
All the girls said 'good morning' and sat down quietly waiting for Lila to serve in breakfast. Cone saw the paper Mr. Snyder was looking at and became very curious ((that's me for ya!)).
"Mr. Snyder, where did you get that newspaper?" she asked, being very cautious about how she questioned him.
Mr. Snyder clamped his hands together, and stared at her with those scary blue eyes. "From a newsboy."
The girls tried not to smile. "What did the newsboy look like?" Cone asked, even more curious.
"He looked…" Mr. Snyder leaned in close to her, b/c she was sitting right next to him. "…like you shouldn't care about what the hoodlum looked like."
Cone snapped her finger under the table and murmured, "Drat."
Mr. Snyder looked around the table to see the faint smiles on the girls' faces. "What are you girls so happy about? Ready to do chores?" The smiles faded and was replaced with frowns. "That's better." He evilly grinned at his work.
Mr. Snyder turned around for a minutes to see what Lila was doing. July - who was sitting on the other side of him - leaned over and pretended to smack him in the back of the head while he wasn't looking. This received a few mumbled giggles, but Mr. Snyder turned around right when they all went back to the sad, frowned faces. They had learned well from all these years of how to mask expressions. It was an art to them now. Just like it was an art for the newsies to escape from The Refuge.
After all the eggs and sausage was gone, Mr. Snyder wiped his mouth, slipped his napkin in his sleeve ((to save for a rainy day…ewww)), and beckoned 'goodbye'. When he walked out the door, the girls wanted to get up and cheer, but Lila appeared from the kitchen.
"Time for school work then some chores! Now!"
The daily routine was about to begin. Cone and Damsel were the last to walk out the dining around when the sound of a boys hawking the headlines caught their ears. They exchanged glances and snuck off to the front door. Cone opened it slowly, not to make it creak. That's when they saw two of the boys from last night. Their boys at that. Mush and Blink somehow caught sight of them and smiled.
"What are you girls doing?!" Lila yelled, behind them.
Damsel and Cone turned to her with stunned faces. "uh…." They both stuttered.
"This is NO NO!" Lila slammed the door shut and locked it. "GO!" She shuffled the two off to the school room to meet their tutor.
Outside, Mush and Blink were in confusion. "Wha' jist happen?" Mush asked.
"I don't know. Dat was da girls and dey were looking out at us den dat huge scary lookin' woman slammed da door on 'em" Blink said, thinking out loud.
"We need ta help 'em now." Mush said, determining himself.
"Yeah, let's go get da others." Mush and Blink ran off to find the other newsies.
Mush and Blink trekked to Tibbys where they knew they'd find the rest of the newsies ((what can I say? *shrug* It took them a while to get there)). They burst into the door and ran over to Jack - who was just sitting there talking.
"Jack! Jack!" Blink shouted, as him and Mush ran to the table.
Jack turned around and stared at them strangely. "Wha'?"
"Ya remember da goils from last night?" Mush asked, leaning against the table with his palms.
"Yeah, why?" Jack cocked his head.
Blink answered. "Dere's something strange goin' on wit 'em!"
"There sure is" they heard a voice from the door. Davey walked up to them. "I found some interesting things about our girls."
"What is dese interestin' things?" Trey asked, from across the table.
"Well, I found out that Warden Snyder is still in jail." Davey folded his arms as confused looked fell on his friends' faces.
"I knew he didn' get out!" Jack said, a little too loud.
"Den how is da same Snyder keepin' dose goils locked up?" Mush asked.
Davey frowned. "How should I know? I just say we keep out of this although I would like to see Copper again."
Blink and Trey exchanged grins. "We'd like to see Damsel and Patch again too."
Mush fell into his own little daydream world and sighed. "I wanna dance wit Coneflower again."
"C'mon boys! Wese got some…uh..wha'd ya call it?" Jack stuttered, standing up.
"Investigating" Davey answered him.
"Yeah, investigatin' ta do."
The same guys who went to see the girls the night before, followed Jack out the door and down the street to the building. They strolled up ever so cautiously - just in case this 'Mr. Snyder' might show up. The guys went back to the fire escape in the alleyway only to find a familiar stick figure looking up at the window.
"Hey Spot!" Jack greeted loudly, thumbs jammed in his pocket.
The fearless leader of Brooklyn whirled around with a surprised look on his face - his cane raised ready for a fight. "Jacky-boy! Youse nearly gave me a heart attack!" All the boys laughed at seeing Spot Conlon so shocked.
"Wha' youse doin' heah, Spot?" Racetrack asked, grinning.
"I was jist passin' through" he replied, trying to look tough again.
Jack wanted to laugh. "Thinkin' 'bout visitin' whats-her-name?"
Spot tried not to make eye contact, just stared at the stairs and mumbles, "July."
The boys laughed again, but got back to business. They'd rub this in later.
"So, who is gonna go up dere?" Skittery asked, sounding doubtful about the whole situation.
"Uh…" Jack murmured. He peered around at his newsies. They were all staring at him. He cursed. "I guess dat's me cue."
"I'll go wit ya, Jack!" Mush spoke up, stepping out of the group.
Mush and Jack started to climb the high fire escape up to the girls' window.
~*~
The girls dragged their feet while walking back into their room. Lila had worked them today and rest was very rewarding to them. Copper was the first to walk in the room and collapse on her bed.
"Why?!" Ace let out, dramatically falling on her bed.
"I think if we gang up on Lila, we can take her out!" Clink suggested, receiving a slap on the back of the head by Cone. "Hey!"
"You have to be kidding?" Cone asked, scrunching up her face.
Clink shrugged and dropped the issue. All the girl just sorta collapsed somewhere in the room. Lila had worked them to death today with school work and chores. Mr. Snyder hadn't come home yet, and he probably wouldn't until late that night.
Cone sat up from her bed and said, "I have a feeling that someone is coming."
"What?" everyone in the room said in unison.
"Uh…never mind." With that, Cone went into the washroom to wash her face as a knock came from the window. Pearl stepped over to the window to see two guys kneeling on the fire escape to see inside.
Pearl grinned recognizing one as Jack. She opened the window. "Hi Jack! Hi Mush! What brings you by?" It only took a second for Cone to run out of the wash room and knocked Pearl out the way of the window. Well, knock is too harsh of a word; it was more like gave-her-a-little-push out the way. ((*hehehe* Sorry Pearl!…lol))
"Hey! What are you guys doing here?" Cone asked, a huge smile coming across her face.
"Can I come in?" Mush asked.
"Of course!" Cone moves out the way so Mush could come in. Pearl sat by the window to talk to Jack while all the other girls just watched ((?)) excitedly. "What are you two doing here?"
Mush smirked. "Me and da othahs are heah ta take you goils out fer da night. Ya think dis Mr. Snyder would mind?"
Cone thought for a moment. "Mr. Snyder has spies down there that could catch us. Trust me, he is very sneaky and has many connections."
"Well, we'll protect ya. All you goils will have ya own poisonal bodyguard."
Cone couldn't help but laugh at the thought. "What do you say girls?" Cone asked, turning around seeing that no one was there. "Looks like I have my answer."
Mush grabbed her hand and helped Cone out the window. Everyone was down on the ground already saying their 'hellos' to the guys. Patch and Damsel strolled up to Blink and Trey real calmly with big grins on their faces; the boys mirroring them. Clink ran up to Jake and stole his bowler - playing keep-away with it. Copper and Davey started a chat right away like they'd known each other forever. Ace walked up to Racetrack wanting to play some more poker right away. PT just sort a stood next to Skittery, and they keep glancing over at each other without saying a word. Bumlets had met Jewel by the stairs and gave her a daisy he 'borrowed' out of someone's flower pot. Spot and July stared at one another kind a growling for some reason ((?…lol)). Jack offered his arm to Pearl, and she excepted right away. Mush and Cone exchanged glances and wanted to laugh at all the different ways their friends were greeting each other.
"All right! Everyone ready to go out tonight?" Jack called out to everyone.
"Where are we going?" Pearl asked.
He smirked. "It's a surprise."
"I'm up for a surprise!" Clink yelled, dropping Jake's bowler as he grabbed her by the waist.
"Den let's head out!" Jack said enthusiastically.
The large bunch of kids walked down the streets of Manhattan. It was a very different scene for the girls. They had never really had the chance to walk on the street very often from living in Mr. Snyder's boarding house for years. It was a wonder for them to be in the commotion of life, and not just watch it from a small window in their room. This was definitely going to be an adventure. Good thing they had the newsie guys there with them. It made the adventure twice as exciting.
Mush and Cone were walking at the rear of the group hand in hand. Jack with Pearl were leading the group. PT and Skittery started talking to each other and was having a good time. Copper and Davey were playfully kicking down the street ((*hehehe*)). Ace was bugging Race to give her one of his cigars. The two brothers had sneakily slipped their arms around Patch and Damsel's waist. Spot and July were having a silent competition of trying to stay ahead of one another. Jewel and Bumlets was the second to last couple heading the rear; talking lowly. Jake had finally given in to let Clink wear his bowler, but he was keeping a close eye on her especially b/c she had his hat.
The group came to a stop in front of a large showy building with a big picture of a lady in a purple dress. The sign read "Irving Hall".
"This looks interesting" Ace commented, elbowing Race in the ribs. He rolled his eyes and didn't pay no mind to her remark.
"What is this place?" Jewel asked, looking up at the sign.
"You goils will see soon. Let's go get us a seat down in front" Jack said, leading the way again.
They all walked in to see a comedy skit being acted out by a two guys. Patch and Damsel stopped and watched them for a moment. One guy 'hit' the other guy and the other guy went tumbling backwards.
"I can do that!" Damsel blurted out. She blushed when she realized how loud that had came out.
Patch leaned in near Trey's ear and whispered, "What are those two men doing?"
Trey looked at her strangely, but remembered the girls had never been to something like this before. "Dose two guys are doing slapstick comedy. It's suppose to make people laugh."
Patch turned to watch the skit again. "Oh, okay."
The 'hall' was kinda empty. It was a Thursday night and not very many people were out. They all walked up to the front where no one was sitting. There were four people to a table. Of course, each guy pulled out a chair for each girl with the exception of Spot and July. They were such gentlemen. The announcer suddenly came on right after the kids got settled and said, "Presenting Miss Medda Larkson." The guys started to clap, trying to hold back hoots and hollers for the girls' sake. The girls just clapped along with them. Medda sauntered on stage with her purple feather in her hand. She started to sing her famous "My Lovey Dovey Baby", and noticed all the boys in the audience with dates. She grinned to herself, thinking 'they finally got over me'.
"I use to be your tootsie wootsie" Medda sang, doing a little shimmy then started to saunter around the stage again.
PT leaned over to Skittery sitting besides her. "What is so great about this?"
He faced her and smirked, "It's entertaining."
"Really? I guess I'm not use to seeing that kind of 'entertainment'" she replied back.
Skittery could see she was a little jealous, so, he slipped his around slowly around PT's shoulder. She smiled, knowing her job there was done.
Damsel and Patch glanced at their 'guys' at the same time to see they weren't paying much attention to Medda's performance.
"What are you looking at?" Patch asked Trey, playfully.
"Let's hope it's you and not only a dream" he replied. ((*muhahaha* EYC!))
"I know if you were a dream, Dame, I'd never wanna wake up again" Blink said enchantingly, making Damsel blush.
"I feel that same way" she got out, before giggling into her hand.
Ace bounced up and down on her chair, clasping onto Race's shoulder. "Oh c'mon, can we play one game of poker?"
Race finally gave in, and took out his cards. "I gotta deal for ya, Ace. How about we play poker like…" he leaned over and whispered in her ear.
A huge grin came across her face. "YES! I'll play like that. Naughty…but right here?"
"Uh…" Race peered around then grabbed her hand. "I know a place where we can play." ((No! It's nothing bad, so, quit with your dirty minds…LOL!))
"Can I have my hat back?" Jake asked Clink, who was actually sitting very still watching the show.
She looked over at him real blankly, and keep him in suspense until she smirked. "Of course, you can't."
Jake's mouth was catching flies when she said that, but he smirked back, "Y'know, I'm stronger than you and I can take ya down, goily." Clink was a little shocked at that statement from him. "I got muscle." He flexed his muscle on his right arm ((*swoon*)). Clink just sat there as Jake took his bowler off her head and placed it back on his.
"You like that stuff?" Copper asked Davey.
He turned to look at her. "Maybe…why?"
Copper shrugged. "I don't know. Ever think of having her teach you how to dance?"
Davey played an arm around Copper and scooted closer to her. "Like I want anyone but you teaching me how to dance. Which reminds me, we haven't finished our lesson."
Copper jumped up taking Davey with her. "Let's do that then." They disappeared somewhere backstage.
"Isn't Medda a great performer?" Jack suddenly said.
Pearl cocked her head. "Does she do this for a living?"
Jack scratched his neck then answered, "Yeah. She's been doing this stuff for as long as I been around."
"Oh, so have you been knowing her a while?" Pearl was digging from after seeing Jack stare at Medda SO hard.
"Uh…I been knowing her for a while. What's the deal?" He was a little confused.
"Just wondering" she replied, leaning back into him.
Bumlets glanced over at Jewel. She appeared to be having an 'okay' time, but not the greatest. He tapped her on the shoulder, and whispered, "Are you enjoying yourself?"
Jewel shrugged. "Yes, a little."
"I'm not really into this stuff. Ya wanna go on the roof and just talk. I bet the stars are out by now."
"That sounds much better." Jewel took Bumlets hand, and they walked up to the roof.
"Who wrote that song?" Cone asked Mush, who was currently staring off into dream world at Cone.
He snapped back into reality, and said, "I think Medda writes 'em herself."
Cone smiled. "You think I could write a song like that?"
"Of course, you can! You can do anything you want." Mush kissed her cheek. "You want to write a song like that?"
"Well…" Cone muttered, "Maybe not as cuddly wuddely." She grinned, imitating Medda.
Mush burst out into laughter causing Medda to all the sudden stop, but she regained her bearings quickly and started to sing again. Cone smacked a hand over her own mouth not to laugh too loud. The two received a glare from Medda, which was a very rare thing. Mush grasped Cone's hand and they ran out for no reason at all. Medda finally finished her song and dance. Applause came from all the people who were still……there. It seemed that most of the front row had disappeared.
Mush and Cone ran down to the backstage area. The newsies were allowed back there at anytime and it seemed that that was the place where some of the newsie guys and some of the girls disappeared too. Mush and Cone slowed down to a steady walk, with grins plastered on their faces.
"I can't believe we just did that!" Cone said, giggling. "I have never had that much fun in a long time!"
"And the night isn't over yet" Mush commented.
"What are we going to do…" Cone was cut short when Mush abruptly stopped before passing a dressing room door. The door was only half-opening and they could hear voices inside. They peeked into the crack to see Ace and Racetrack playing a very 'interesting' game of poker.
"What do you have?" Ace asked, excitedly.
Race snorted, and laid down his cards. "Three of a kind."
Ace squealed, bouncing up and down in her chair. "I have a straight flush!"
"Again?!" Race glared at her suspiciously. "You sure you ain't cheatin'?"
Ace grinned innocently. "Of course not. Now, time for what I won! The neck this time."
Mush and Cone pulled away from the door. "Uh…I don't think we were suppose to see that" Cone said, a little shocked.
"Yeah, but a kiss on the neck is nothing to ashamed of?" Mush smirked.
Cone planted her hands on her hips, with a serious expression on her face. "Courting is more my style. Now, where are we going?"
Mush grabbed her hand again - without answering - and lead her up a flit of stairs. They emerged outside on the roof. The stars were high up in the sky, and the night was quiet - with a few exception of some voices talking. The couple looked around to see Jewel and Bumlets were talking lowly by the edge of the roof.
"Heya" Mush and Cone greeting happily.
"Hey" Bumlets and Jewel said back.
"Can we join you two?" Cone asked, still holding Mush's hand.
Jewel spoke up first, "Yes, of course, you can."
"We was just 'bout to go in, but I think we'll stay out heah a little longer" Bumlets said.
Mush and Cone sat down on some crates next to the edge, across from Jewel and Bumlets. They were quiet for a little while until Mush spoke up, "Have you goils enjoyed this night so far?"
"Yes, silly!" Cone slapped him gently on the cheek ((oh no! She was already picking up on the slap game!)).
"I'm having a great time" Jewel replied, glancing over at Bumlets. He was staring off a little in her direction.
They were interrupted by a loud fall from behind the stairs building thingy. Some laughter came next, and Copper and Davey peeked out from behind it.
"Uh…hey" he said meekly, trying to hold back one of his 'Ha's".
"We were just……" Copper looked around for something to say, but only found Davey beside her. She grinned and pushed him away playfully. "…out of here." She ran down the stairs. Davey looked up, shrugged, and ran after her.
Cone turned back to everyone. "What just happen there?"
Her three companions shrugged, and went back to talking. After a few minutes, a roar of thunder was heard from a distance and lightening flashes from far off. The two girls jumped, holding onto their guys. They really hadn't ever been outside when a storm was coming, so, it scared them.
"Looks like a storm is coming. We better get da others and get you goils back home" Mush stated, putting his arm around Cone.
"Yeah. Don't wanna get caught in the rain" Bumlets commented, holding onto Jewel just the same.
The two couples went down the stairs, and back into the main area of the Hall. Medda had stopped performing, and was talking to the newsies guys and greeting the girls. Mush pushed his way to Jack, telling him about the storm that was coming. Jack rounded up everyone ((*hehe* with his rope…J/K!)), but two people were missing from the group.
"Where's Spot and July?" he asked, scrunching his nose for no reason.
"Haven't seen 'em since the show began" Race answered.
Jack smacked Race in the back of the head. "Of course, ya haven't seen 'em since da show began. Youse and ya goil have been in a dressing room da whole time."
All the sudden, a closet door backstage came open, and Spot and July fell out. Everyone started laughing at them. Spot and July turned red, and sorta scooted away from each other.
"Let me guess, you two weren't just talkin'." Skittery remarked, actually making a funny comment for the first time in his life.
Now that everyone was ready, they all said 'good-bye' to Medda to head back home. The thunder and lightening was getting closer, and half to the girls' boarding house - it started to rain. They all ran as fast as they could to the boarding house over hang under the fire escape. It was kinda cramped under there, so, half the group migrated to the over hang on the building next door. They were all soaked to the bone from the rain.
It was time to say goodbye. No one wanted too. That night was more than just fun. But, Cone told everyone to hurry b/c Mr. Snyder would be home at any minute. Clink hugged Jake and knocked his bowler over his eyes then run up the stairs of the fire escape. Blink and Trey kissed Damsel and Patch on the hand. PT and Skittery gave each other a big hug. Jack touched Pearl's cheek and whispered something to her which made her blush. Race hugged Ace as she goosed him. Bumlets kissed Jewel on the cheek. Copper tweaked Davey on the nose, and ruffled his wet hair. Spot and July were pushing each other, but Jack came up behind them and pushed them together - causing a complete different action. Mush and Cone stared at one another, not wanting to leave. PT called her to get her butt inside. Cone turned back to Mush, receiving a surprise, a quick kiss from him. She stared at him in shock until he told her she better get inside.
Cone climbed the stairs looking down at all the guys leaving. She crawled through the window, pushing it down just in time before Mr. Snyder knocked on the door - walking in. He glared at his girls when he saw they were all wet.
"What is this?" he said in disgusted, pulling on Patch's sleeve.
"Um…a sleeve" she replied, meekly.
He growled, and looked at all the girls. "What have you been doing? Have you girls been playing in the wash room or outside in the rain?"
Everyone gulped, not knowing what to say. Mr. Snyder walked over to July and Ace. "I have a feeling you one of you are the culprits."
Cone's temper was beginning to get heated, and she stepped up between Mr. Snyder and her friends. "I'm the one who got everyone wet."
Mr. Snyder glared at her in that 'fatherly disappointed' way. "Miss Adams, I would have never expected this from you."
"Well, what can I say? You don't really know me at all" she retorted. The girls were getting scared now.
Mr. Snyder wanted to exploded, but he keep his anger down. He grabbed Cone by the arm and dragged her out the room. Some of the girls closest to the door ran up to it, but it was already locked.
"I'm scared for Cone. No telling what he's going to do to her" Damsel said, almost in tears.
Pearl put an arm around her. "It's okay. Cone knows how to take care of herself even when it's from Mr. Snyder."
July stepped up to her. "Yeah, Cone will be okay."
"Let's prey she will" Patch said.
Mr. Snyder dragged Cone by the arm all the way down stairs to a room on the other side of the home. He opened the door, setting his lamp down, and making Cone seat in a chair. Cone peered around at this room. It was dreary feeling with a desk by the back wall and a bed by the door. Mr. Synder fiddled around by his bed then finally sat down at his desk - staring at Cone through the dim light. She stared nervously back at him.
"You knew your family, right?" Mr. Snyder asked.
Cone glared at him a little confused. "Yes" she answered, slowly.
Mr. Snyder leaned in against his desk. "Then you know how it feels to lose them."
Cone took it as more of a questions. "Of course, I do! I was nine when they died in the fire." She became uneasy for a moment. He was never interested in the girls' family before they became orphans.
"Then you know exactly what I'm going through." Mr. Snyder leaned back into his chair.
"Um…what do you mean?" Cone was even more confused now.
The bolding man sighed dramatically. "I have a brother." Cone mouth dropped open, literally! He saw the stunned expression on her face, and smirked evilly. "A twin brother."
Cone almost fell out her chair. "There's two of you!" she yelled, very bluntly.
Mr. Snyder shook his head and stood up - walking behind Cone. "He ran the House of Refuge." Without warning, he firmly placed his hands on Cone's shoulder. "But, they arrested him. For what reason, I do not know."
"Maybe he was being a donkey butt, I bet it runs in the family." The remark only got Cone in more hot water.
Mr. Snyder tightened his grip making her cringe. "Do you like when I do that?"
Cone wanted to smack him by now. She took a deep breath and answered truthfully, "No, I do not. So, please get your hands off me."
He backed off, and shrugged. "I'm finish with you tonight, Miss Adams. Go back to your room. I'll have Lila escort you." Cone stood up, leaving in a not-so-discreet way.
"What happen?!" was the popular question as Cone sauntered back into the room, not so casually. She made eye contact with everyone encircled around her and replied with a snort, "A very disgusting thing."
July cocked her head. "Say what?"
Cone rolled her eyes and started pacing around the room. "Snyder told me something that you guys will not believe." Pearl glanced up from her sewing as everyone's attention was caught.
"Tell us, Cone!" Damsel demanded, innocently.
Should she tell them about the evil spawn of the Synder 'clan'. Cone shrugged, thinking why not. "There are two of them." A lot of 'huh's?' rang around the room. "Synder has a brother!" Cone spilled out, without thinking. She smacked a hand over her month, realizing she said that a little too loud.
Instead of 'huh's?', gasp came from everyone's mouth. No one really knew what to think. Cone didn't really either, but Synder had something up his sleeve with the whole 'brother' thing.
Finally Ace spoke up. "And, why did he tell you about this?"
Cone shrugged. "Don't ask me!" She plopped down on her bed. "I can tell ya, I'm disturbed. Mr. Synder knows that we've been doing stuff."
"Maybe he's just trying to scare us" PT said half-smiled, seeing if her statement would lighten the tension.
"Yeah" Copper threw in. "He just might be scaring us b/c he knows we did something."
Everyone nodded - agreeing or not. Cone snorted again. "I don't know what to think right now." She leaned against the bed on her elbows. "He mentioned that his brother - oh, I forgot - he said twin brother…"
That just railed the girls up more. "Two Synders!!!!" Clink yelped.
Patch clamped a hand over Clink's mouth. "Clink, not so loud."
Cone rolled her eyes once more. "Like I was saying…" She grinned slightly, knowing the fact would really stir things up. "He mentioned that his brother ran the House of Refuge. One of the newsie guys has to know what that place is."
Jewel jumped up, excited. "Bumlets said something about a Refuge place where it was like jail."
"Really?" Jewel nodded. "Then that has to be the place."
"Next time the guys visit, we could ask them about that" Damsel declared, eagerly.
"We can, but I'm afraid for the guys now."
July pressed, slightly. "Why Cone?"
She sighed, laying back on her bed. "Because Mr. Synder probably knows about them visiting us. You never know what he might do if he knows."
A somber mood fell over the room, almost distracting. Nerves were going to be on the edge now. Pearl's mouth twisted, like she was thinking. "Let's just try and be careful. Warn the guys before they make their way here."
"Not tonight" Copper spoke up. "I hear Mr. Snyder or Lila coming up the stairs."
"We probably can wait on the warning the guys. It's not like they're going to come early in the morning" PT commented, dragging the covers from her bed and hopping in. All the girls did the same as Mr. Snyder slithered his way in to say 'Good night'.